PROVO, UTAH
The vast parking lot outside BYU’s Indoor Practice Facility has become something of a second home for Randy and Pam Woodall.
Every year in August, the Woodalls pull their fifth-wheel trailer from their Roy, Utah, home and head south to Provo so they can attend BYU Campus Education Week.
The couple admits they have a lot of vacation options — but they’ve faithfully made their way to BYU Campus Education Week each year for the past three decades.
“Education Week gives me the spiritual uplift that I need, it just keeps me going,” said Brother Woodall.
Sister Woodall added that a week spent at the popular BYU-sponsored event always sends her back to Roy “with a smile on my face and a smile in my heart.”
The Woodalls are like thousands of folks from around the country who once again opted to spend a week in August attending BYU Campus Education Week. This year they had more than 1,000 classes, taught by more than 200 presenters, from which to choose.
For many, BYU Campus Education Week is far more than academic learning — it’s about becoming a better person and a more faithful disciple of Christ.
“I’m learning here about how to treat people the right way,” said Brother Woodall.
It’s estimated that almost 20,000 people participated in the 2014 edition of BYU Campus Education Week. They attended courses with gospel subjects ranging from Church doctrine to family relationships and temple work.
This week’s issue of the Church News includes coverage of several education week classes, with more coming in future issues.
A Campus Education Week highlight was the Aug. 19 devotional in the Marriott Center offered by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (See page 5).
Other memorable activities included youth dances, nightly concerts and humanitarian projects. Yes, there’s plenty of fun — but it’s the sacred atmosphere at the event that keeps folks such as Darryl Pearce of Franktown, Colorado, coming back year after year.
“I love the spirit that is here,” he said. “I hope it will stay with me until I can get back next August.”
Brother Pearce said his favorite classes once again focused on the Atonement and included counsel on how to become a better member of the Church.
“I came to education week for the first time last year, and I loved it — so I’m back again this year,” said Virginia Quayle, a longtime Wisconsin resident who recently moved to South Jordan, Utah.
Sister Quayle said BYU Campus Education Week helps her better understand the scriptures.
“And it encourages me to set more goals for myself.”
jswensen@deseretnews.com @JNSwensen
